Adult Bullying Emerges as a Mental Health Concern

By Elizabeth Barhydt

Bullying is no longer just a schoolyard problem. Increasingly, experts are identifying adult bullying as a significant mental health issue, affecting individuals in workplaces, homes, and communities. This behavior not only causes psychological harm to victims but also creates toxic environments that can impact the wellbeing of entire groups.

Bill Eddy, a social worker, lawyer, and mediator, addresses this pressing issue in his recent book, Our New World of Adult Bullies: How to Spot Them, How to Stop Them. Eddy identifies key behaviors that bullies use to manipulate and control others, offering strategies to help victims and communities mitigate the harm.

The Hidden Powers of Adult Bullies

Eddy outlines ten primary tactics employed by adult bullies, which he describes as “hidden powers” designed to intimidate and dominate. These include:

Acting without restraint or concern for social consequences

Crafting false narratives to justify their actions.

Manipulating emotions like fear, loyalty, and shame to control others.

Playing the victim to gain sympathy or deflect accountability.

Using primitive emotional responses to undermine confidence.

Leveraging nonverbal cues, such as intimidating body language, to assert dominance.

Assigning blame and inducing shame to weaken their targets.

Gathering allies to isolate and overpower victims.

Behaving unpredictably to destabilize those around them.

Persistently pursuing their objectives despite resistance.

“Adult bullies often rely on psychological manipulation, making their tactics harder to spot but no less damaging,” Eddy explains in his book. This behavior, he says, can lead to severe mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem in victims.

The effects of bullying extend beyond immediate emotional distress. According to research published by the American Psychological Association, victims of prolonged bullying can experience chronic mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In workplaces, bullying contributes to higher stress levels, reduced productivity, and increased employee turnover.

“Bullying creates a culture of fear and silence,” says Dr. Karyl McBride, a psychologist and author who has studied the effects of psychological abuse. “This environment can have long-term consequences for both individuals and organizations.”

Eddy’s book also offers a practical roadmap for combatting bullying behavior. He outlines six strategies to counter the impact of bullies:

Recognizing Patterns: Understanding the predictable behaviors of bullies.

Dismantling Narratives: Challenging the false stories bullies use to justify their actions.

Setting Boundaries: Establishing clear limits to restrict harmful behavior.

Imposing Consequences: Enforcing meaningful penalties to deter bullying.

Educating Others: Raising awareness about bullying tactics and their effects.

Building Alliances: Collaborating with others to confront and resist bullying.

By adopting these strategies, Eddy believes individuals can regain a sense of control and confidence, while communities can create safer, more supportive environments.

Mental health professionals emphasize the importance of addressing adult bullying as part of broader efforts to improve emotional well-being. Workplace training programs, community initiatives, and mental health resources can play a crucial role in combating this issue.

Eddy’s work underscores the need for awareness and education. “When enough of us recognize these ten powers and learn to use the six strategies, we can stop bullies in their tracks and foster healthier families, workplaces, and communities,” he writes.

Resources for Support

For those affected by bullying, accessing mental health support can be a critical first step. Organizations like the National Conflict Resolution Center and the High Conflict Institute offer resources and training for individuals and professionals. Eddy’s book, available through major retailers, provides an in-depth guide for identifying and addressing bullying behaviors.

As the conversation around mental health continues to grow, addressing adult bullying offers an opportunity to create a more compassionate and supportive society.

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